Urinary incontinence

Updated: 2023-05-12

Overview

Urinary incontinence has various causes. Some foods, drinks and medicines can cause short-term symptoms. Longer term symptoms can be due to changes in the body, such as pregnancy and menopause, or health problems, such as bladder stones and enlarged prostate. Risk factors for incontinence include aging and smoking tobacco.

Symptoms

Many people with urinary incontinence sometimes have minor leaks of urine when they cough or sneeze. People with more-serious symptoms may lose small to medium amounts of urine more often. The urge to pee may be so strong and sudden that a person can't get to the bathroom in time.

Treatments

Changes to diet and bathroom habits can ease urinary incontinence symptoms. So can exercises that strengthen the muscles that help control urination. Some people also benefit from medicines, medical devices or surgery. If another health problem causes urinary incontinence, treating that problem could ease incontinence symptoms.